SPRINGFIELD - An effort by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to help bring the 2016 Olympics to Chicago apparently fell victim to last year's budget impasse.

But the governor's failure to follow through on a promise of securing $150 million in state backing for the city's efforts probably won't hurt Chicago's chances, said a spokesman for the organization shepherding the city's bid through the international selection process.

In March, Blagojevich sent a letter to the chairman of Chicago's Olympic exploratory committee, stating he would introduce legislation that would put state taxpayers on the hook for a $150 million safety net if the games lose money.

Earlier this week, a spokeswoman for the governor said the legislation was never filed.

Chicago is competing for the 2016 games against Tokyo; Madrid, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Doha, Qatar; Bacu, Azerbaijan; and Prague, Czech Republic.

The next step is for Chicago to advance as a finalist candidate. That decision is expected to be made in June. If the city crosses that threshold, it would then have to provide a detailed budget by February 2009.

Patrick Sandusky, spokesman for Chicago 2016, said the state commitment is still needed, but it won't be crucial until the February 2009 deadline.

"We understand the state has had other priorities," Sandusky said.

Since last year, the governor and legislative leaders have been wrestling over a host of prickly issues, including higher taxes for businesses, health care expansion and mass transit woes.

The infighting triggered a political stalemate that now appears to have broken following passage Thursday of a bailout package for Chicago-area bus and train service.

Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said he doesn't foresee a problem approving the guarantee before the next deadline.

The International Olympic Committee will select a host city in October 2009.

In documents released last week, officials said the events could generate $2.5 billion in revenue to help operate the games.

Nonetheless, Sandusky said getting the state guarantee remains important.

"It is still a priority for us," Sandusky said.

Illinois taxpayers wouldn't be the only ones left having to prop up the games if the latest projections are wrong: Chicago city officials last year approved a plan to back the games with $500 million in taxpayer funds.

In his letter, Blagojevich said state funds would only be tapped if the games run a deficit of more than $975 million.

In defending the governor's decision to help bring the games to his hometown, Illinois economic development officials say a Chicago win could mean money and jobs for the state.

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.